Matt Evans made three changes to the side that tasted defeat to Kimberley Miners two weeks ago, with Jonathan Timmins, Sam Greenwood and Harry Gibbons replaced Jack Arbon, Ben Ashall and Josh Parker.

The Greens started the brighter of the two sides but were unable to create anything clear cut in and around the 18-yard box, with Ashby’s defenders doing enough to stop any shots. Captain Finlay Armond had a speculative effort from long range, but once again it was blocked, stopping any danger on goal. Will Robson had a shot from edge of the box for Ashby, but it flew whiskers wide of the post, as Harrison Leech was at full stretch to clear the danger. This gave Ashby a sense of confidence, as they started to push on. Timmins was shown a yellow late on in the first half for a late challenge, much to the anger of the Ashby players. The away side crowded around the centre-half, throwing protests and showing the anger as they felt he should have seen a harsher punishment. Ashby continued some pressure late into the first half, releasing a shot from 25-yards out which called Leech into making a fine save down to his left. Sleaford managed to clear the later chances but couldn’t create a chance as Andy Whalen struggled to get the ball out his feet.

Sleaford came out on top in the second half, starting faster, stronger and much better than the first half. Lewis Greenfield caused a lot of trouble for Ashby Ivanhoe’s right back, as he had the better of him on multiple occasions to put a cross into the box for striker Ollie Skinner to get on the end of, which he fought for well. The Greens managed to find the opener with just under 10 minutes gone of the second half. Whalen received the ball from 12-yards out, took his time and slotted it past the goalkeeper into the bottom corner, wheeling away in celebration with his teammates. Strategic game management came into play for the Greens after the opener, defending together as a unit and fighting hard to try and secure all three points. Ashby tried to push to get a goal back in the game, but they couldn’t produce enough quality in their attack to danger Leech or the Sleaford defence. Substitutes Ben Ashall, Joe Wilkinson, Lewis Smalley and Josh Parker all continued the high press and professional mentality of those on before them, as their well drilled performance guided Sleaford to a valuable three points, their first since beating Shirebrook on the road.

Next up for the Greens is a trip to Melton Town, set for a 3pm kick off on Saturday, April 5.

Written by Finley Smithson